By Dt. Manoli Mehta
Making a healthy choice is imperative (and compulsory) during a weight loss program but making healthy food tasty is in our hands. If we can make our diet food tasty then the reason, we hate dieting would no more exist.
Spices and herbs are the best way to add flavor to your food without adding any calories, sugar, junk and sodium – the four things that you must avoid while on a weight loss plan.
Sticking to a healthy diet becomes easier if you enjoy and like the food. Herbs make your food tastier and boost metabolism, which in turn helps you burn fat.
5 Herbs and Spices that Boost Fat Burning or Metabolism.
- MINT:
Mint works by stimulating the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. That’s one crafty herb! By adding mint to your diet, more of the fat you eat will be put to good use, as opposed to steadily making your pants tighter.
If you are suffering from gastric and bloating issues which makes you feel full then Pudina leaves can come to your rescue. The Menthol in the leaves can boost digestion and indirectly aids weight loss. Poor digestion is one of the reasons why your weighing scale is not budging.
- OREGANO:
Oregano contains carvacrol, a powerful compound that may help boost weight loss. Carvacrol supplements are also found to directly impact some of the specific genes and proteins that control fat synthesis in the body.
It also aids digestion and reduces bloating. You must add it towards the end of the cooking process to retain its essential oils.
- FENNEL:
Fennel is a rich source of fibre, which helps you stay fuller for longer, further preventing you from cravings and overeating. This leads to lesser calorie consumption, resulting in weight loss. Consuming saunf may help reduce fat storage by improving vitamin and mineral absorption in the body.
Saunf has diuretic properties; therefore, drinking fennel tea can help remove toxins from the body, which in turn, may contribute to weight loss. Fennel seeds are also responsible for kick-starting your metabolism. A healthy metabolism is the key to losing weight in a healthy way.
- TURMERIC:
Turmeric is a warming spice; it increases the body heat which can boost your metabolism and provide other health benefits. Another way in which turmeric helps in losing weight by regulating sugar levels and further preventing insulin resistance.
Extracted from the ground uproots of the Curcuma longa plant is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called curcumin. Always have black pepper with turmeric as black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin by the body. Curcumin offers substantial benefits for inflammation as well as enhanced antioxidant activity.
- CINNAMON:
Cinnamon is said to curb hunger cravings, control blood sugar level and make you feel fuller for longer. It also helps curb sugar cravings, reduces inflammation, it helps you lose visceral fat and supports weight loss. Antimicrobial, antiparasitic properties of cinnamon make it one of the healthiest spices of all time. It helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol, boosts insulin function and metabolism as well. You can add cinnamon to your oatmeal, mix it in yoghurt or put it in your tea. It is also a great addition to meat and chicken.
You can try these herbs & spices to speed up your metabolism. The speed of weight loss depends on your body metabolism and techniques to give it a health boost.
These techniques include a healthy diet, proper workout, and sleeping schedules. These herbs will merely lend a helping hand in boosting your fat loss.